Lee Davis Hutchins

Lee Davis Hutchins, 91, passed away at Katie B. Reynolds Hospice Home in Winston-Salem, NC on Wednesday, December 8th. He was born December 22, 1929, in Winston-Salem, N.C. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Gladys Lanier Hutchins, daughters Susan H. Greene (Hugh) of Asheville, NC, and Deborah Wheeler (Doug) of Manchester, NH, five grandchildren, Joy Bedard (Nate) of Rumford, Maine, Adrian Greene (Melissa) of Winston-Salem, NC, Kristy Strand (Erik) of Goffstown, NH, Dr. Matthew Greene (Mira) of Asheville, NC, and Davis Greene (Candida) of Raleigh, NC, and seven great grandchildren. Mr. Hutchins was predeceased by his parents, Lee Daniel Hutchins and Ruth Ervin Hutchins and his sister, Elizabeth Hutchins Grigg. Mr. Hutchins spent his early career with the Winston-Salem Journal and Sentinel and Wachovia Bank. He married his wife, Gladys, in Winston-Salem in 1951. Together they cared for Lee’s father while Lee attended High Point University and Wake Forest University. The Hutchins’ church community was Southside Baptist Church where many life-long friendships were formed and the love of God was more fully absorbed. Mr. Hutchins developed a more aspirational view of his life and what he was called to do. A life-changing career opportunity was offered in New England. Lee and Gladys embraced the relocation of their family to Salem, New Hampshire. Friendships, community involvement, starting Baptist Churches and a 32-year career with Raytheon Technologies are the highlights of this era. Mr. Hutchins’ career took Lee and Gladys to Amsterdam and Paris for a few years, years that broadened their appreciation of the beauty and commonalities of humanity. All this experience with people, cultures and practical skills culminated in the lay work Lee did while a member of Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida. The Hutchins moved to Jacksonville for his retirement years and became more active than ever. From reading in his grandson’s elementary school to being a poll worker in Atlantic Beach to participating in several mission trips around the world assisting those in need. Mr. Hutchins was especially committed to the Ruth School in Bucharest, Romania. Deeply devoted to his family, Mr. Hutchins was a man of deep faith in Christ with a gentle, loving spirit. As Mr. Hutchins grew older, the most heard descriptive word of Lee Hutchins is sweet. He had a twinkle in his eye and an encouraging word for all he encountered.

Mr. Hutchins lived a vigorous life including recreational activities such as hiking and skiing, but also includes community and mission activities such as building projects and teaching adults in GED classes. Lee’s invitation to teach a men’s Sunday School Class at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church was the perfect combination of his gifts and the desire to learn from others. “That Class” affirmed his wisdom while he gained many exemplary friends. His winsome personality pervaded every aspect of his life. Lee had a kind and often witty word for everyone. He was the quintessential people-person, the last person to say good-by, following guests to their cars with a few more words of gratitude and very often he’d wave and say, “I love you,” as the car backed out. At the time of his death, the Hutchins resided at Homestead Hills Retirement Community in Winston- Salem. Funeral arrangements are with Vogler Funeral Home at Forsyth Memorial Park. The funeral service is being held on Saturday morning, December 11th at Becks Baptist Church, 5501 Becks Church Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27106, with burial at the church’s cemetery where his parents are buried. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to support the Bereavement Committee of Hendricks Avenue Baptist, Church, 4001 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, Fl 32207.